Standing out in today’s crowded digital world requires more than sending an email. You need something that introduces your product or service or announces what you’re trying to do in ways that motivate your recipients to take action. Creative direct mail campaigns offer the perfect opportunity to capture attention in ways digital messages can’t.
Why Direct Mail Still Works
A targeted direct mail campaign gets your message to those who can help grow your organization. Through interactive mailers, your audience can enjoy virtual visits, scan a QR code to get more information, or use it as a reminder for a specific event. Direct mail still works and is an essential tool in every marketing plan.
10 Creative Direct Mail Campaigns
Getting your product or service noticed is more challenging than ever unless you present it in a way that grabs the viewer’s attention. An interactive direct mail piece is proven to increase engagement and motivate your audience to take action. Here are examples of 10 creative direct mail campaigns and how they helped boost sales and brand recognition.
1. The University of Notre Dame
Their challenge: Promote the value of language and cultural studies for all students regardless of major.
The solution: Flapper® - Medium - an interactive mailer that unfolds in a series of panels, revealing your message piece by piece.
The takeaway: Students received information on various opportunities to study abroad, and this mailer highlighted the programs offered in a unique and interactive way.
2. TBL Networks
Their challenge: Introduce a product called SD-WAN to cold prospects and entice them enough to visit a branded landing page.
The solution: The Jackknife - a compact mailer that unfolds knifelike to reveal your message.
The takeaway: The sales team requested additional mailers for trade shows and conferences because customer engagement increased.
3. Moxie Scrubs
Their challenge: Introduce new summer scrubs to nurses, available on their website, using direct mail strategies different from their usual digital ads.
The solution: Step-Pop Cardholders - an upright display that holds business cards, membership cards, and other promotional items.
The takeaway: The company saw 55% more QR scans over previously mailed traditional flat postcards.
4. Bank of Utah
Their challenge: Acquire new business through an omnichannel campaign using print, electronic, and person-to-person communication.
The solution: The Extendo® - an interactive mailer in which panels slide, pictures change, and pages flip as the reader moves through the piece by spinning a wheel or pulling a tab.
The takeaway: The bank increased deposits by $3 million in one week.
5. Quinault Beach Resort & Casino
Their Challenge: Thank VIP customers by inviting them to a New Year’s Eve party.
The solution: Pop-Up Cube - an interactive mailer that opens into a 3” pop-up cube when the zip strip is pulled, revealing your message.
The takeaway: Approximately 80% of the guests who received the promotional mail piece came to the party.
6. Harger Howe Advertising
Their challenge: To set their client apart from other companies hiring to reach physicians searching for a job.
The solution: Small Exploding Page - a small brochure that bursts open to reveal vibrant colors and graphics.
The takeaway: The recruiting agency used the mailer to promote their presence at a conference where 8,000 physicians were expected to attend.
7. Mount Vernon Ladies Association
Their challenge: The educational services they provide require continuous fundraising, and they needed to reach more donors.
The solution: 7” HD Video Screen Brochure - a high-definition video mailer that presents your message in an unforgettable way.
The takeaway: The direct mail campaign raised $2.5 million in donations.
8. Chinook Winds Casino Resort
Their challenge: Increase attendance at a holiday party for VIPs to thank them for their business.
The solution: Polygon Pop Up - a dynamic mailer that springs into shape when removed from its mailing envelope to reveal your message.
The takeaway: The casino reported of the 1,200 invitations sent, only 23 seats were empty at the event, resulting in a 98% response rate.
9. LogMeIn
Their challenge: The software provider wanted to create a mailer to celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of its products.
The solution: The Flapper® - a moving message mailer in which panels slide, pictures change, and pages flip to reveal different messages as they move.
The takeaway: The marketing team used the mailer to encourage recipients to upgrade to a new system and receive a free gift. They reported that the response definitely met their expectations.
10. Vitalyst
Their challenge: A technology support services company wanted to hold a team-building event at its twice-yearly kick-off meeting for its sales and account management teams.
The solution: SleekPeeks® Virtual Reality Viewers - which ship flat and fold into place easily. The viewer is customizable to reveal your message and works with your phone to create more interaction.
The takeaway: The viewers encouraged interaction between the sales staff members, and they hope to use the viewers to increase sales in the future.
Tips for Designing Effective Creative Direct Mail Campaigns
To ensure your creative direct mail campaigns are effective, here are a few tips to consider:
- Understand your target audience
- Use eye-catching, clean designs
- Incorporate personalized touches and promo codes
- Measure campaign performance with advanced tracking analysis
Creative direct mail campaigns can attract new customers, clients, and donors to your business, product, or organization. We’re ready to help you take the next step at Red Paper Plane. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good direct mail campaign?
A successful direct mail campaign targets the right audience, delivers a compelling message, and motivates the reader to take action.
What is the most common form of direct mail advertising?
The most common form of direct mail advertising is a postcard.
What businesses use direct mail?
Any business looking to increase customer engagement in a new and memorable way.